Fier 4th at state wrestling

After placing fourth in the 145-pound state tournament last season, Zack Fier matched that feat again this year.

The junior won four of six matches to again find a place on the state podium stand. He finished the season 21-7, missing several matches with an injury.

All six of Fier's matches were decided by three points or less. He lost to Tucker Ginther of Caledonia-Houston 4-2 in the third-place match.

After winning a 4-1 decision over Ethan Bowman of Crookston in his opening match, Fier dropped a 4-2 decision to Brodie Kellen of Dover-Eyota in the quarterfinals.

Fier then came back and won four straight matches in wrestlebacks to place third. He first edged Dylan Withers of Jackson County Central 5-3, then defeated Reubens Swanson of West Central Area 3-0 and Gavin Winter if KIAR 3-2 to reach the third-place match.

Peyton Gillund at 120 pounds and Jackson Esping at 285 each went 2-2 at state but did not place. Troy Van Keulen was beaten twice at 126 pounds, while Adam DeVlaeminck at 106 pounds and Jonah Gruenes at 170 lost their opening match, but were each eliminated when their opponent then lost his quarterfinal bout.